2 ASX 200 stocks that Morgans just upgraded

These stocks have between 15% and 20% upside.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

New analysis from the team at Morgans has included significant upgrades for two ASX 200 shares. 

Both James Hardie Industries PLC (ASX: JHX) and Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC) received a new accumulate rating from the broker. 

These two ASX 200 stocks have moved in opposite directions in 2026. 

James Hardie Industries shares have risen by over 21% year-to-date, while Lottery Corporation has fallen almost 7%. 

However both have upside moving forward according to the team at Morgans. 

Here is the latest outlook. 

Small kid giving a thumbs up.

Image source: Getty Images

James Hardie

James Hardie is the world's leading producer and marketer of fibre cement building products and a major supplier of fibre gypsum and cement-bonded boards. 

The ASX 200 company held its combined James Hardie and AZEK Investor Day in New York on 15 September 2026. 

The day centred on the "built to outperform, resilient by design" tagline, as management guided to 4% to 7% organic sales growth above market, while stressing that this growth did not require a US housing recovery. 

Morgans said growth will come from the AZEK combination, synergies ahead of plan, and a leaner, lower-capex portfolio after the Europe sale. 

The positive company story and the growth trajectory are only partially offset by the tough macro, a 75bps rise in the 30-year mortgage rate over the past six months, and a peer multiple de-rate. On this basis we upgrade to an Accumulate rating, whilst moderating our target price to A$43.00 (from A$45.00).

From current levels, this updated price target indicates an upside potential of 20%. 

Lottery Corporation

This ASX 200 company is Australia's largest provider of lottery, Keno, and instant scratch products.

The team at Morgans has updated its forecasts on the company given domestic lottery conditions have not improved since the FY26 result. 

We have marked our lottery tracker to market and now have tracked turnover running high single digits behind the prior comparative period. We cut FY27/28F Lotteries revenue by 2-3% and Lotteries EBITDA by 3-4%, with EPS down 6%/4%. 

The change is a lower jackpot assumption, partly offset by a lower jackpot share of turnover, as base games and three price increases carry more of the mix.

The broker has upgraded its target price to $5.40 (previously $5.60). 

From current levels, this indicates an upside potential of over 15%. 

Following the September bond issue, our FY27 interest costs remain broadly unchanged with FY28 lifted nominally. At c.16.5x 12-month forward EV/EBITDA and a 3.3% fully franked yield, we think a poor sequence is in the price, and see upside from here if conditions improve.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended The Lottery Corporation. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended The Lottery Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Broker Notes

A little girl with red hair runs excitedly with a rocket strapped to her back, trying to launch.
Broker Notes

6 ASX 200 shares boosted by brokers this week

Brokers have increased their ratings on CSL, NAB, Ramsay Health Care, and others this week. 

Read more »

I young woman takes a bite out of a burrito n the street outside a Mexican fast-food establishment.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Aurizon, Car Group, Guzman y Gomez shares

Toby Grimm from Baker Young explains his views and ratings on three ASX 300 shares.

Read more »

Broker looking at the share price.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Temple & Webster, Kelsian, Boss Energy shares

Two experts share their views on three ASX shares.

Read more »

A man in a business suit holds his coffee cup aloft as he throws his head back and laughs heartily.
Broker Notes

3 ASX 200 shares forecast to fly 30% to 40% higher

Here's the latest broker forecasts.

Read more »

A mother and her two adult daughters embrace outdoors.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: AGL Energy, Telstra, Zip shares

Here are brokers' latest verdicts on these three major ASX 200 shares.

Read more »

A doctor appears shocked as he looks through binoculars on a blue background.
Broker Notes

This ASX biotech could jump more than 30%, one broker says

This company's core business is performing well, the broker says.

Read more »

Couple using their digital tablet together.
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could return 50% to 85%

Analysts have good things to say about these shares.

Read more »

A woman in a red dress holding up a red graph.
Broker Notes

This ASX small cap could jump more than 100%: Broker

A new acquisition could drive early cash flow.

Read more »